Big Story is one person–a real person.

During the two decades I’ve served students as an essay and application coach, I’ve met people who faced true hardship, external pressure and everything in between. I’ve calmed stressed-out overachievers and motivated earnest procrastinators. Some students manage neurodivergence, trauma or serious mental health issues. Others are blissfully unencumbered but paralyzed by the project’s scope. Most are underserved by caring but overwhelmed family and schools. Frequently, kids are so overscheduled they can’t even enjoy senior year!

Transitioning from high school to college is a lot. Telling your story engagingly while life marches on? Impossible without expert help.

What does the right kind of help look like?

I try to keep things simple. Grounded and focused on the task at hand. Teen- versus adult-centered. Highly individualized. And, above all, human.

My process is less about reacting to the fears of the chattering classes and more about approaching college apps as a personal vision quest. Identifying who you are, what you value and what you may want to do with your life can be a liberating experience, if framed correctly.

Unlike big, faceless agencies that call themselves “consultants,” I don’t hide what I offer behind fancy words, obscure degrees or data.

My satisfied clients and their results speak for themselves.

Simply put, I work intuitively and listen well, using the interviewing skills I learned as a journalist. Years telling brand stories on deadline as an agency copywriter help with the hard stuff: project management, timelines, deliverables.

Most of all, I treat every writing partner as an individual with a unique story to tell. Writing (and rewriting) books—I’m published in commercial fiction and edit nonfiction—taught me a lot about generative structure and muses’ favorite hiding spots. I help students tell their stories with honesty and self-awareness, without gilding the lily, faking hardship or trying to be someone they’re not. (Pro tip: Neither of us has to have all the answers or shady backdoor contacts to craft an unforgettable personal statement!)

What I offer is a steady presence, guiding hand, listening ear, clear eye, firm schedule and experienced shoulder to lean on. For the hours, days, weeks or months we collaborate, I am your personal app angel. I get you to the finish line. Staggering, maybe. Through tears, probably. Punctuated by a bit of creative cussing? Sometimes. But we get there. Always. Together.